is aliphatic amino acids are ampholytes

1 answer

Yes, aliphatic amino acids are ampholytes. Ampholytes are molecules that are capable of acting as both acids and bases, meaning they can accept or donate protons (H+) depending on the pH of the environment. Aliphatic amino acids, such as glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine, have both acidic and basic groups in their structure, specifically a carboxyl group (-COOH) and an amino group (-NH2). Therefore, aliphatic amino acids can act as both acids and bases, making them ampholytes.